Hollyoaks' James Sutton reveals why he decided to quit the soap

Hollyoaks fans are gearing up for an emotional goodbye to popular character John Paul McQueen this week and now James Sutton, who plays the role, has revealed why he made the decision to quit the Channel 4 soap.

WARNING SPOILERS

In scenes which are set to air on Channel 4 this week, Hollyoaks fans will see John Paul and his boyfriend James Nightingale take a short break to the coast, but in pictures released by bosses it seems it's not going to be a happy ending.

Despite Hollyoaks bosses keeping quiet, photos suggest John Paul and James drive their car off a cliff and it's unclear who survives.

Although James only announced he'd decided to leave the show in January, in a recent interview the actor revealed he'd actually made the decision over a year ago.

Speaking to the Daily Star Sunday he said, "I sat down with our producer Bryan Kirkwood, about a year ago, and we just kind of felt that we'd explored everything there was to explore with John Paul.

"We've done a lot of big issue based stuff and also John Paul has slept with half the village already. He was running out of fellas! It was very sad but it's exciting at the same time.

"I've had the last year to get my head around it. I'm looking forward to people seeing my last week of episodes and how it all comes to an end for John Paul."

James shared a snap to his Instagram last month after filming his final ever scenes on the soap. Sharing a photo alongside Hollyoaks director Nicky Higgins, James wrote:

'It's been one hell of a crazy ride but I can finally confirm that I have left the world of Hollyoaks. I shot my last scene Thursday and it'll be on screen in a few weeks time. The final week of episodes has everything; tears, laughter, romance, a good old fashioned car stunt, and I got to share my final scenes with some of the most talented cast and crew I've ever worked with. The lady in the picture is our director, the incredible Nicky Higgins, one of the most patient, supportive, wonderful directors I know. (she also hardy slept for the past 3 weeks of this shoot so she'll hate me for throwing this picture of us up here)

'But that's it. That's a wrap. Thankyou so much Hollyoaks fans for your support over the years, I really mean it, you're mad and you're passionate but you're brilliant. See ya x'

James first joined Hollyoaks way back in 2006 and became a well loved character on the soap with fans. Despite leaving in 2008 for a short stint in Emmerdale, James returned to Hollyoaks and has since been involved in many major story lines.

Despite many fans thinking he could rekindle his romance with ex-husband Ste Hay in recent weeks, James' character John Paul chose to let Ste go last month and finally signed their divorce papers, just days after they shared a kiss in the village.

John Paul's final scenes are set to air on Channel 4 at 6.30pm every night this week.

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